for Matters of Estate,[1] that they may Hoc agere.[2] In choice of Committees for ripening[3] Businesse for the Counsell, it is better to choose Indifferent[4] persons then to make an Indifferency[5] by putting in those that are strong on both sides. I commend also standing[6] Commissions; As for Trade; for Treasure; for Warre; for Suits; for some Provinces:[7] For where there be divers particular Counsels, and but one Counsell of Estate, (as it is in Spaine), they are in effect no more then Standing Commissions, Save that they have greater Authority. Let such as are to informe Counsels out of their particular Professions, (as Lawyers, Sea-men, Mint-men,[8] and the like), be first heard before Committees; And then, as Occasion serves, before the Counsell. And let them not come in Multitudes, or in a Tribunitious[9] Manner; For that is, to clamour Counsels,[10] not to enforme them. A long Table and a square Table, or Seats about the Walls, seeme Things of Forme, but are Things of Substance; For at a long Table, a few at the upper end, in effect, sway[11] all the Businesse; But in the other Forme there is more use of the Counsellours Opinions that sit lower. A King, when he presides in Counsell, let him beware how he Opens his owne Inclination too much, in that which he propoundeth: For else Counsellours will but take the Winde of him,[12] And in stead of giving Free Counsell, sing him a Song of Placebo.[13]
XXI
OF DELAYES
Fortune is like the Market, Where many times, if you can stay a little, the Price will fall. And againe, it is
